The Research Alliance is excited to announce that Dr. Kathryn Hill has been promoted to Research Director. Dr. Hill has been with the Research Alliance for more than five years, most recently as a Senior Research Associate. In her new position, she will play a key leadership role, helping shape and enact our vision for high-quality, equity-centered research.
Dr. Hill brings ample experience as a mixed-methods researcher and has led a number of important Research Alliance studies. This includes recent work related to equity in computer science (CS) education, with a particular focus on the implementation of culturally responsive CS instruction for students who have been historically marginalized in the field. She serves as the principal investigator for a Google-funded study: Examining and Addressing Barriers that Hinder Schools’ Progress Toward CS for All, a Co-Principal Investigator for an NSF-funded study to design and validate measures of culturally responsive-sustaining education in CS instruction, and as the lead qualitative researcher for our evaluation of NYC’s districtwide CS4All initiative. Dr. Hill is also leading a study of the CUNY Justice Academy, in partnership with John Jay College of Criminal Justice, aimed at identifying practices that help students successfully transition from two- to four-year degree programs. Dr. Hill has led several other Research Alliance projects examining the causes and consequences of inequality for historically disadvantaged NYC students (e.g., studies of homelessness in elementary school, summer meals programs, and the pathways and outcomes of “persisting” high school students).
As Research Director, Dr. Hill will oversee the development and enhancement of tools and strategies to embed equity throughout all phases of our research. She will also work to establish and nurture new partnerships with community-based and youth-serving organizations, and with communities directly impacted by our work, including school leaders, educators, parents, and students.
"We are thrilled that Dr. Kathy Hill is stepping into the role of Research Director," says Cheri Fancsali, Executive Director of the Research Alliance for New York City Schools. "Her extensive experience in mixed-methods research, combined with her passion for work that centers and promotes equity, makes her an ideal fit for this position. Kathy's commitment to meaningful stakeholder engagement will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of the Research Alliance’s mission. We are excited to have her expertise driving our efforts forward as we continue to strive for excellence and equity in education."
We are also pleased to announce that the Research Alliance’s Dariana Almeyda has been promoted to Outreach and Partnerships Manager. In this new position, Dariana will focus on coordinating and strengthening our efforts to engage stakeholders in the Research Alliance’s work. This includes building relationships with relevant organizations, creating opportunities for Research Alliance staff and affiliates to share their work (through publications, events, etc.), and developing content for the website, social media, and e-newsletter that effectively informs and engages key audiences. “Dariana's dedication and expertise have been invaluable to the Research Alliance. This new role will allow her to bring her skills to bear on the important work of connecting with and actively involving our stakeholders,” said Dr. Fancsali. “Her commitment to building meaningful relationships, facilitating knowledge sharing, and fostering engagement make her a tremendous asset to our team.”
With these two promotions, the Research Alliance will expand our capacity to involve a wider range of education stakeholders in designing, implementing, interpreting, and acting on rigorous research evidence. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with and on behalf of NYC’s students, schools, and communities.